Joshua’s Cure

The Joshua’s Cure is an online site for families whose children suffer from the rare genetic metabolic disorder known as tyrosinemia type 1. They offer patient support, networking, and information for these families. This group is highly dedicated to raising funds for research on tyrosinemia type 1.Tyrosinemia type I is characterized by lack of the enzyme fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH), which is needed to break down the amino acid tyrosine. Failure to properly break down tyrosine leads to abnormal accumulation of tyrosine and its metabolites in the liver, potentially resulting in severe liver disease. Tyrosine may also accumulate in the kidneys and central nervous system. Symptoms and physical findings associated with tyrosinemia type I include failure to gain weight and grow at the expected rate (failure to thrive), fever, diarrhea, vomiting, an abnormally enlarged liver (hepatomegaly), and yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice).